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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What is the difference between a neurologist and a epileptologist? Is one better at diagnosing and knowing how to treat seizures?

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hilo, HI
July 24
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Neurologist do the basics . Prescribing our meds , EEG and MRI’s..

Epileptologist try finding different paths to take with their patience. I’ve had more tests do thru my Epileptologists over my neurologist

July 25
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Like Nathan said, an epileptologist specializes in epilepsy. I had two neurologists who were no help or little help. Then my epileptologist and his wife who was also an epileptologist started with a lot of tests and gave me every reason to feel I was getting better help.

July 24
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

An epileptologist is supposed to be a neurologist who specializes in Epilepsy.
I say specialize because the first 2 I encountered were as useful as a tick on a toad. I knew more than they did. My current neurologist is an epileptologist and is good but still is not versed on many things, but I'll give her time.

July 24
MyEpilepsyTeam

Great question! Both play important roles, but there are some key differences between the two.

A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the brain and spine broadly. They can diagnose and manage epilepsy, but their expertise covers a wide range of neurological conditions.

An epileptologist is actually Show Full Answer

Great question! Both play important roles, but there are some key differences between the two.

A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the brain and spine broadly. They can diagnose and manage epilepsy, but their expertise covers a wide range of neurological conditions.

An epileptologist is actually a neurologist who has gone on to specialize *specifically* in epilepsy. Think of them as a neurologist with a laser focus on seizures. So, is one better than the other? Here's a helpful way to think about it:

- A neurologist is a great starting point and can manage many epilepsy cases effectively
- An epileptologist may be more beneficial if seizures are difficult to control, if multiple medications have been tried without success, or if surgery is being considered

For straightforward cases, a neurologist may be all that's needed. But for more complex epilepsy, an epileptologist's deeper expertise can make a real difference in finding the right treatment approach.

It's always worth asking your current doctor for a referral to an epileptologist if you feel your seizures aren't well managed.

July 24
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I had the same question!

August 5

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